Racist songs in Circle Time: Lou, Lou, Skip to My… wait, what?

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 49:54

Many American folk songs are based on songs from minstrel shows that were composed with racist lyrics. Some song lyrics have been changed but are still being sung without recognizing the racist history of the material. Teachers will learn to use an anti-bias anti-racism (ABAR) filter to reconsider songs that might be taught in their classrooms. Songs to reconsider might include those with lyrics about adult themes not meant for young students, songs with a questionable origin, or songs with a questionable meaning.

Katie Ng, BFA, BS, MM, is the music program director and music specialist at Wellan Montessori School in Newton, MA. She has taught music for over 20 years and has developed the music program at Wellan over the last 13 years. She uses many different methods to have a child-centered approach to teaching general music and instrumental music. She has taught music in a Montessori setting to Infant & Toddlers, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School.